Carlton 30 Bookcase

Bookcase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, 1981.

Conceived as both a bookcase and a room divider, Carlton is one of the pieces that most clearly defines the identity of Memphis. Its composition of coloured volumes and planes, combined with the famous Bacterio pattern, turns the shelving unit into a totemic, almost architectural presence that is both functional and strongly symbolic. Presented at the landmark first Memphis exhibition in Milan on 18 September 1981, it has become one of Ettore Sottsass’s most recognisable designs. This example belongs to the limited edition of 30 pieces produced in 2011 for the thirtieth anniversary of Memphis. It is numbered 3/30 and comes with the special wooden crate made for the edition.

Design: 1981
Edition: Limited edition of 30, No. 3/30
Dimensions: W 190 × D 40 × H 196 cm